Building The Perfect EK9: Part 1

Building the "Perfect" EK9. It sounds like a dream. I know that my vision of "Perfect" probably isn't going to be the same as many, but give me a chance to explain what I mean...
I consider myself a Honda purist. Seems a bit hypocritical considering that our business was founded on combining different engines and putting them in all types of different cars but, I say purist because I truly believe and I understand the reasoning behind what makes a Honda, a Honda. Furthermore, I know what it takes to make a Type R and what it means to make it special.
Now, I know... I know... I KNOW that everyone is probably going to be screaming, "PUT A B16B BACK IN IT!", "KEEP IT STOCK!"... I know. I already feel those comments and I knew what I was getting myself into before posting that I put RPF1's on our red EM1 (LOL) but I digress. The truth is that this car may be great, but it's not perfect, nor is it original. It is not a car you'd find at Honda's Collection Hall.
I figured I would skip the hour-long video tale of me yapping about how the car ended up with us and ultimately just get to the point. This car is long overdue for a refresh. It doesn't need to be restored, it just needs some work. The exterior of the car is nearly perfect; it was completely redone a few years ago so there is really no need to change it.
The powertrain on the other hand definitely needed to be replaced. It has been down on power for a while, has been leaking a lot of oil for a long time and was crudely painted before it was installed. It might look great in some of the pictures we post but, man... in-person views are disappointing.
I'm getting off track.
There may not be a such thing as a "Perfect" car. Maybe there is. If there is, I certainly haven't seen it or driven it. I think there are many GREAT cars but everything has flaws. When I began with the vision of building the "Perfect" EK9 Type-R, I imagined a Championship White Civic Type-R in near stock-looking form. Properly fitting wheels true to the overall period of the car that give it the right stance. Underneath the sheet metal, a modern, upgraded, sophisticated suspension and drivetrain are in place.
Think of this as a Restomod. (kinda)
I grew up building and driving these 6th Generation Honda Civics... I've built literally dozens of them since I turned 15. They look great and handle even better. Well... the proper ones, at least. This car was built to be a show car, which, arguably is about all it was ever good for. But not anymore... I want this car to drive as great as it looks.
So, my vision of the "Perfect" EK9 involves a Civic Type R that looks like a traditionally tuned Honda but with an upgraded powertrain - insert FD2 K20A. I thought about supercharging a K24. I thought about putting a turbo on the old K20 that was in it. In fact, the previous owner was going to do just that. This car deserves something more dynamic and fitting of the "Type-R" moniker. Thus the idea...
Let's put the BEST K20A engine into the BEST Civic Type-R. Lightweight chassis, raw steering, and a dynamic suspension with the instant response from the last of the great Naturally Aspirated Honda's.
So bare with me when I say I want to build the "Perfect" EK9. I mean, MY Perfect EK9.
Thanks for reading and watching.
Visit our site to learn more about our performance parts.
www.hybrid-racing.com
Instagram: @hybridracing / @hybrid_david
For all K-swap related inquiries:
[e-mail]

[@HondaStreetGarage]

Nice! Can’t wait for this build!

[@spencersgarage]

I remember seeing this Civic in TDIB video... An EK Type R (K swapped) is basically my dream Honda. Will be watching this build.

[@hybridracing]

Yep! I drove around with David after we got his car done!

[@NoComp600]

Man this things already looks perfect so I can’t wait for the final result!

[@scottcraft7690]

That’s a nice car. I can’t wait to see the progress. And that engine.... wow!!🙌

[@brysonhatake1643]

Bro it's already perfect in my eyes

[@ericg1149]

Nice, I purchase quite a few parts from you guys when I swapped a k20a2 into my 2000 white coupe. Keep it coming and PS still waiting for my power steering cooler...

[@hybridracing]

Nice! Shoot us a message if you haven’t already about that cooler!

[@Beezy_Builds]

Stoked yall finally have a channel, looking forward to working with Hybrid when i start my eg build

[@hybridracing]

Thanks!!

[@Beezy_Builds]

@@hybridracing Make sure you guys reach out to Zosh & Honda street garage to shout out your channel! Needs more subs asap. I will be reaching some time next year with a partnership proposal. Give my channel a look when you get a chance, stay awesome 👍🏾

[@MrRevto9k]

Ya need to bring back that 70mm throttle body.

[@ReidEvers]

This. Please

[@hybridracing]

We hear you! ^_^

[@Rhdgerm]

New motor !!!! Off the assembly line!! That’s gonna be awesome. Well deserved chassis to put that motor in.

[@hybridracing]

Can't beat brand new! I'm ready to hear it scream!

[@Ek9luis]

So happy you doing this since I want to learn more on this swap to do my ek hatch thanks

[@guhwayro]

So beautiful, Amazing build brother

[@Piercemxpx]

Great quality videos, you deserve a lot more subs. & I loved what you wrote in the description; you’re a true lover of Honda’s.

[@triplerotor]

This channel deserves more subscribers

[@robertsothmann8110]

Key to building the perfect EK...is start with the perfect EK!!! Siiiiick

[@Nicatlotus]

Looks gently used and amazing, but i appreciate the OCD point of view. Currently shopping for an EK9 now!

[@kawasabi1]

Great video! I hope some day you guys can offer a exhaust kit for the Kswap ek, I did the swap a year ago and that's the only thing that I wish I could clean up. My stainless welds are just ok.

[@hybridracing]

We agree, customers need better solutions than what is available now. We’re on it!

[@haloreach7]

Following this build

[@kouki_integra]

On a side note I would love to have a hybrid racing face mask!! Make em Dave 🙏🏾

[@3DR87]

Beautiful build ❤

[@balancemode4112]

I’ve just purchased your fuel rail and its awesomee

[@benyaaqub7984]

Wow...brand new zero milage k20a type r...very perfect..❤❤

[@ashb3276]

Man the EK just looks so good !!!!!

[@jasonharadon]

All. of. those. painted. parts had my stomach turning and then you guys killed with the New In Box Crate CTR....Yes!!!

[@hybridracing]

Jason Haradon We both know there is ground between custom and OEM. That’s where I want this car to live.

[@jasonharadon]

@@hybridracing I understand and I respect what it is you folks do for a living and and I love the excitement to do something "over" with a lesson learned the 2nd time. This will be a fun follow for sure; Subscribed!

[@hybridracing]

@@jasonharadon It should have been done from the start, but that's ok. I'll handle it.

[@GEARED_MrLucas]

Love it! Can't wait to see it finished!!

[@jodiehodgkiss8062]

I can't wait for the results

[@luisfigueroa8149]

Great project. Looking forward to your videos. 👍

[@ALLDAYANTHONY]

Too clean guys

[@tdoteva4973]

Love ek9 my ej9 1.4 really nice n fast imagine how this ek9 most feel😍

[@mondecruel1866]

Kswap your ej9 i did on mine 😎

[@camerongrady580]

Definitely subscribed for this build!

[@nonameneededsailing]

Hey, Maybe do a video of the history of Hybrid , is will still with y’all? I remember his EG hatch . Ran it with a C5 and he was right next to us. Y’all have always been the best around. Lol you raced me on my bike on the interstate, I even had a passenger on my bike. That was a sweet car .

[@hybridracing]

Yep, Will is still around! We did some videos with @zosh about this history of HR.

[@ilusq]

Sweet car, the music is a tad loud compared to your voice sometimes tho

[@arelosso354]

So clean that i can eat my meals on top of it

[@dillonrio7330]

I read the description and I couldn't have said it better. Subscribed for the EM1 and definitely staying for the EK9. On another note, what's the song called from 1:25-3:25. The first song when it pans to the EK9. Thanks!

[@machocvcprable]

Can't wait for more videos. Miss the EG6. Would you build another one? I have one coming next month from Japan!

[@biancothequeenbeethompson]

Are you guys doing work on anybody’s car now, or still only y’all’s??? I’m born and raised in Baton Rouge and would love to have you guys jump on my k20z3!!! I have been watching you from the start!!!

[@hybridracing]

At this time, no, we don't take on customer jobs. I started doing the channel for fun, so we will see where it goes.

[@dsixtosan]

A clean civic is a perfect civic.

[@gtrgaming3947]

Nah needs to be faster thoo

[@seanwilliams5403]

Nice, u inspire me

[@hidechangarage]

めっちゃかっこいい！！

[@Version38]

Nice work david

[@0825411237]

Ultimate build!!!

[@chrisantoniou2316]

Beautiful

[@jowaynejohnson187]

My dream car 🥰😍

[@scglobetrouter85]

Hey david! , i know its already k swapped... , but could you also go into a little bit of detail on how to the k swap & what your going to need?

[@hybridracing]

Sure! I plan on talking more about the swap since the FD2 K20A motor is a bit different and will require different things. Almost all of our K-swap parts have changed in some way since this car was built so we will be using all of our new stuff.

[@scglobetrouter85]

hey i was rewatching the video again and honestly "rebuilding the engine bay harness" sounds like something id love to watch you do and learn something from that , if you can show us that process that would be really cool 💪🏽 thanks a ton

[@hybridracing]

SC globetrouter sure! Once I get there I will definitely show that!

[@michaelpotts3685]

Digging the old Canibeat Plate frame

[@hybridracing]

Represent!

[@michaelpotts3685]

Hybrid Racing I still rock my shirts all the time and no one knows what they are haha. The Canibeat forum days were awesome.

[@hybridracing]

Whoa Mikey I have about 200 OG stickers in all colors in a box in my office haha

[@michaelpotts3685]

Hybrid Racing that’s awesome man keep it alive!

[@maprends]

i support this man

[@OliviaCampbell-ym9du]

What front lip is that

[@jackdaniels2905]

Gorgeous 10\10.

[@nohesitrnz]

the monster can is the best thing ive ever seen dont tell kyle

[@andrzejgardas7629]

Ek3 👌 ☺

[@JTWorld210]

Yea it is 👏🏼👍🏼🤘🏼😍😍😍

[@mastermind5692]

@Hybrid Racing, i need vented and slotted rear disc rotor which ones are you using?

[@onetrackmind2907]

Perfect seems to be a bit of a stretch. Perfect in my opinion would be looking as though it just came off the show room yesterday. There are a lot of little dents, scratches, flaws, rust and imperfections.

[@grampsaggyballs]

Wow, a brand new K20A........ How and where did u find that? Its like like finding Bigfoot or the Lochness Monster.

[@hybridracing]

It's a unicorn for sure!

[@jdmog610]

Seekerv2 wing😊 just like mine!

[@Edge5055]

Do you think Brembos from an FD2 can fit in there with brackets? Or go with AP? I can get you some from Upgarage. I see MandM really loves your short throw too. I live in Japan’s and own an FD2. I’m super excited for the build.

[@hybridracing]

Edge5055 FD2 Brembos on the EK9? Not likely with the 16 inch wheel... would probably have to run 17s minimum. We already have a big brake kit with two piece rotors for it. And M&M are our guys! Much love to them! 🙏🏼

[@DonnieLaabs]

are you going to be selling any of the parts of this that youre replacing?

[@waseemabbas4297]

Subscribed

[@maxboost4250]

Where did you get the clear disposable car cover???? :)

[@AustinSmith-sx4uk]

Willing to sell the old trans? Great video!!!

[@hybridracing]

Ah, the swap is already going into another project. :-)

[@benyaaqub7984]

Brand new..without old belting sound or tentioner sound...

[@mrb6144]

I wanna buy from you bro? Can I call you about it?

[@Superbatman93]

Put a k24 block with the k20 head in there

[@wickedsatan1]

Wow.. is Honda still manufacturing those FD type R engines?

[@hybridracing]

No, they went out of production in 2011.

[@cedriccope178]

Perfect is right

[@jclc4201]

Hey man. new sub here. Can I ask where you get parts for this build? You have a link or FB. Thank you.

[@hybridracing]

Which parts specifically?

[@jclc4201]

@@hybridracing Like basic JDM and bolt ons. lights, bumpers, LCA, steering wheel, interior.

[@hybridracing]

@@jclc4201 Shoot us an email, we have a few recommendations. [e-mail]

[@abunaiN1]

ek is the best civic ever !

[@cnrdlynch]

No Type R front control arms or sway bar?

[@hybridracing]

I was as surprised as you! No sway bar in sight! Since it was K-swapped, it has a DC2 subframe but yea... no sway bars and that is certainly something we are going to change. haha.

[@chrismaguire4771]

Can’t believe u broke the rad & fans smh coulda done a giveaway

[@hybridracing]

I would rather give away brand new, perfect parts.

[@gerardstefanelli1618]

Is the old engine up for grabs?

[@hybridracing]

gerard stefanelli we are going to use it for another project!

[@rafaelcosta6329]

What year is it?

[@ohcaptainmycaptain9513]

99‐00

[@egk_coupe]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@kalaniortiz6732]

💯💯💯

[@PolishedMobileDetailing503]

Forget the b16 lol k is the only way

[@andy8ass1]

Hi who sells that toe hook?

[@mrb6144]

You guys still building he ek?

[@hybridracing]

Currently sitting on a dolly with no suspension. We’ve had to press pause on it while we finish our FK8. We will have new videos of this car up soon. 😎

[@mrb6144]

@@hybridracing if ever you want to get rid of it please consider me to purchase it, thanks

[@marcog6470]

@@hybridracingyou selling it yet?

[@Ekk24_Cali]

Is the HR no cut shifter?

[@hybridracing]

This car currently has our K-swap shifter in it from 2014. We will be updating all of it soon.

[@Ekk24_Cali]

Thanks! Just wanted to know since the console was retained. Assuming the Kwap shifter was mounted in the tunnel?

[@Ekk24_Cali]

Can’t wait to see part 2!

[@hybridracing]

Anthony Vo yes of course. Our K-Swap shifter bolts in through the bottom and only a small part of the mechanism sticks up through the stock hole. The cables remain outside of the car. You can keep the stock console and boot, etc.

[@jinhnguyen1035]

Okay, we get it. You have a tripod that can shift left to right.

[@dochvtech22]

Look up Gene Kim